Hybrid Vehicle Energy Management Controller Clutch Failure Response
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid vehicles with engagement clutches that are meshingly engaged, there is a risk of clutch failure where a clutch may be locked in a disengaged or engaged state, preventing power source disconnection from the drive wheels, which can lead to insufficient battery charge capacity, making EV starts impossible.
Innovation Solution
An energy management control device with a controller that expands the battery use charge capacity range when a clutch failure is detected, allowing for EV starts by permitting over-discharge and over-charge conditions to ensure sufficient battery capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery use charge capacity range is strictly maintained within normal limits, then battery safety and longevity are improved, but EV start capability is lost when battery charge capacity becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the battery use charge capacity range based on clutch operation status. When clutch engagement/disengagement is confirmed normal, the system maintains a strict charge capacity range (e.g., 20%-80%). When clutch failure is detected and engagement status cannot be confirmed, the system dynamically expands the charge capacity range (e.g., to 10%-90% or full range), enabling EV starts that would otherwise be prohibited due to insufficient battery charge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of battery charge capacity thresholds based on clutch health status. Normally, the battery control prohibits discharge below a lower threshold (e.g., 20%) and charging above an upper threshold (e.g., 80%). Upon detecting clutch failure, the system modifies these parameter values to allow operation outside the normal range, thereby enabling EV starts even when battery charge would normally be insufficient.
2Productivity
If engagement clutches are used for shifting, then transmission efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential clutch locking failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the battery control receives clutch engagement status information from the transmission control. The transmission control continuously monitors clutch position sensors to determine whether clutches are properly engaged or disengaged. This feedback is transmitted to the battery control, which uses it to adjust battery charge capacity management. When clutch feedback indicates abnormal status (failure to engage or disengage), the battery control expands the charge capacity range to compensate for the reduced reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential clutch failures by having pre-defined expanded charge capacity ranges ready. When clutch abnormalities are detected, the system immediately transitions to the expanded range without delay, cushioning against the reliability issue by ensuring sufficient battery charge is available for EV starts even when clutch performance is degraded.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides an energy management control device for a hybrid vehicle with which it is possible to suppress an occurrence of a condition in which an EV start is not possible due to insufficient battery charge capacity when an engagement clutch fails. Thus, in the present invention, when a hybrid control module (21) has determined that the engagement clutch (C1, C2, C3) has failed in a hybrid vehicle that carries out an EV start using a first motor generator (MG1) as a drive source that receives electrical power from a high-power battery (3), when starting the vehicle, a first energy management map (EMMAP1) and a second energy management map (EMMAP2) are used in energy management control, which have a usage SOC range that is broader than the usage SOC range of the normal energy management map (EMMAPNO), which is used during normal operation.